Hollywood’s salary hierarchy is huge, and the 2025 numbers show a clear shift. Big stars still get big checks, but fewer actor-led films have become reliable box-office earners.Also, the total earnings of the 20 highest-paid actors fell to $590 million, down from $730 million, according to Forbes.
Movie star salaries in 2025
According to Forbes, Adam Sandler led the 2025 list with $48 million after fees, well below last year’s $88 million. The report suggests that streaming remains the safest home for many stars, with Sandler’s longtime Netflix deal still setting the pace. The outlet’s new rankings say that while the power of movie stars has weakened at the box office, they’re still important when studios build a package around a film.
Streaming offers and theatrical box office
Universal cast Scarlett Johansson in ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’, and Apple backed Brad Pitt in ‘F1’, two of the biggest hits of the year. Marvel approached Robert Downey Jr. for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and estimated compensation of more than 100 million dollars in both films. Studios still believe that household names attract attention, even when they can’t guarantee a breakout.Streaming, however, offered the most stable protection. Sandler was safe on Netflix. Denzel Washington got a big deal in ‘Highest 2 Lowest’. Daniel Craig continued to cash in on Netflix’s ‘Knives Out’ franchise. Mark Wahlberg, who has starred in projects for Amazon and Apple, emerged as the first force in streaming. Millie Bobby Brown, on the other hand, became the clearest example of an original streaming star who crossed over into elite pay-per-view territory.The chart also shows how star power has become erratic. Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘One Battle After Another’ fell far short of his usual standards, but his value remained strong. Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney earned solid salary upfront, but still have questions about their long-term bankability. Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan and Zendaya are ready to enter the next highest level.
The 20 highest-paid actors in 2025, by gross earnings:
• Adam Sandler — $60 million gross• Tom Cruise — $54 million USD gross• Mark Wahlberg — $58 million gross• Scarlett Johansson — $50 million USD gross• Brad Pitt — $54 million USD gross• Denzel Washington – $42 million USD gross• Jack Black — $33 million gross• Jason Momoa — $33 million USD gross• Daniel Craig — $32 million gross• Millie Bobby Brown — $35 million gross• John Cena — $35 million USD gross• Reese Witherspoon — $34 million gross• George Clooney — $30 million gross• Leonardo DiCaprio — $29 million USD gross• Rob Mac — $30 million USD gross• Chris Pratt — $29 million USD gross• Tom Hardy — $28 million USD gross• Jennifer Aniston — $26 million gross• Cameron Diaz — $23 million gross• Jason Bateman — $25 million USD gross
